The Siren by Kiera Cass Page A

here, and at all the schools, were about my age. Maybe I should find them attractive? Wouldn’t that be a strange twist— the siren dating someone all but immune to her? But they all seemed so young to me. When I told Jillian I had never dated, she didn’t believe me. I kept saying that I was still waiting for the right guy. That was the most honest answer I could give her.
    She thought Micah was absolutely wonderful. He was only a year ahead of her, but she knew she had no hope of getting into the same school as him— not exactly a studious girl. I told her not to worry about that, that she’d still have a chance with him. And that even if he did go to some fancy college, if he passed her up, he’d be the dumbest man on earth. She laughed out loud at that. I loved the sound of her laugh. It was the only sound she intentionally made. It was misshapen, but lovely.
    And, of course, Jillian.
    Her interest piqued.
    She is so worried about Micah going away. He’s mentioned her a few times, too. I think that’s a big deal for a guy, but I’m afraid to tell her about it. What if I’m misreading that? I’d feel so bad if it was just a simple friendship and then her feelings go even deeper because of something I said. I couldn’t do that to her.
    She doesn’t even realize how beautiful she is though. I’ve caught a few guys looking her way. Why aren’t boys braver? What’s the big worry? The worst she could do is say no… they act like she’d be cutting off an arm or something.
    The Ocean giggled. She spent Her time with daughters, She had no comprehension of sons.
    Boys! I sighed. Jillian’s art is getting so much better, too. I’ll bet she could go to art school. Maybe I’ll suggest that to her.
    The Ocean asked if she was as good as Miaka.
    Is anyone in the world as good as Miaka?!
    She listened to my descriptions with interest. I was telling Her that my plan was to finish out this school year, take the summer off, and then stay the next year until Jillian left. After that I would have to go somewhere new. Three or four years was about the best I could hope for. It would give me time to say good-bye to her properly; I wanted closure there. She was the human I loved the most, but I couldn’t stay for too long.
    I hope she’ll remember me later, You know? I hope I’ve had a good impact on her .
    The Ocean was sure I did.
    I wish I could give her something to remember me by .
    A moment passed in thought. I hesitated, but went along with the idea anyway.
    You remember where my wreckage is, right?
    She was suddenly somber, like we both had been earlier when I mentioned my parents.
    She knew where everything in Her was.
    Maybe… maybe next year, before I leave, if You could find something that was mine? For Jillian?
    She was surprised. I’d never asked for any of that for myself, though it was rightfully mine.
    It was true, this school had provided a room for me to keep things in. I didn’t “live” there, but I kept some clothes there, now that I needed a wardrobe. And I didn’t have any personal items, except for arts and crafts the kids made me. That’s what decorated the room. If ever, now was the time for me to keep something that was mine since I had a place to store it. But, still, it just seemed wrong.
    Maybe later I’ll take something for myself. But, next year, would You bring me something for Jillian? A necklace or something?
    Of course She would.
    Not sure where else to go with that idea, I changed the subject. We started talking about my plans for the future. It was only nineteen years until I rejoined the human world. I was counting down from nineteen to zero, and then from nineteen on until I ran out of years, years that were mine. What had seemed like an eternity was suddenly dwindling. I couldn’t believe it was so close to the end.
    I sat there with Her asking about what others had done before me, and She gave me examples, options. It was strange, after all this time, to start thinking